[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 53 (Wednesday, May 3, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E628]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN TRIBUTE TO DAVID MERRICK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JERROLD NADLER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 3, 2000

  Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of David Merrick, a 
legendary Broadway producer who passed away last Tuesday at the age of 
88. The Broadway theater community, which I represent, owes a great 
debt to the talents of David Merrick. Merrick was responsible for 
bringing to audiences such great works as Gypsy, Hello Dolly, 42nd 
Street, and Oliver!, as well as dozens of other productions. His living 
legacy is proven every time one of his masterpieces returns to the 
``Great White Way.''
  Born to a poor family in St. Louis, Merrick grew up to become a major 
force in the Broadway theater. Producing a half-dozen or more plays and 
musicals in a typical season, it was estimated that at times he 
employed up to 20 percent of Broadway's workforce, while his shows 
amassed countless Tony Awards for excellence in the theater.
  Feared as well as respected by those in the industry, he had a flair 
for showmanship and publicity that set him apart, stopping at nothing 
to gain recognition for his plays.
  David Merrick could be ruthless, tyrannical, even downright nasty, 
and he reveled in his reputation as ``the abominable showman,'' but he 
loved the Broadway theater and he spent his life bringing to the stage 
works that moved us and entertained us.
  Today, the lights on Broadway shine a little less brightly with the 
passing of this great showman.

                          ____________________